I just put a water pump and thermostat. I just need to put antifreeze and crank the engine. my question is the following:

Where is the temp needle on the gauge supposed to be. Is it normal to go all the way up and then go back down to half the way? What if the needle stays near high (hot)?[&:]

 

My guess would be that your thermostat is sticking. I would either re do it...or take it into the shop and have it done. I would not chance over heating your engine. My gauge reads in the middle once the car is warmed up, never goes above that.

Good Luck to You

05 Cloud White Specl. Edition

 

Well... I'm not saying it should stay H (hot). I'm asking if after putting a new pump and thermostat the is it normal for the neddle to go all the way up then gradually go down.
Appreciate it.

 

No, it is not normal.


Good Luck....

Bob

 

It's probably because the thermostat did not open. Maybe I should run the heater on high for 10 minutes for the thermostat to open then the needle will be in the middle where it normally is.

 

You should not have to run your heater on high to get the needle to normal. If your thermostat was working properly you would not have to run your heater on high. Sounds like a defective thermostat.

Good Luck

Bob

 

by chance did you make sure that you didnt install the thermostat backwards cause it happens all the time to people and that could be the reason why its overheating i would double check that if it still overheats when you get the air pocket out (if any) but if it overheated when you first ran it its very possible that you put the thermostat in upside down and it wont open the if its in backwards.

 

The needle is right where it should be just below the midpoint. The thermostat was installed with the spring into the housing. The A/C blows cold. It's just leaking coolant. Thanks.